Final preparations underway as 6th Meghalaya Games near kickoff

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 18, 2025

With just two days left for the 6th Meghalaya Games, scheduled from January 20 to January 25, the final preparations at the venues are nearly complete. Athletes from 11 districts, along with those from the home district, will arrive on January 19 in anticipation of the event.

On January 18, the district administration held a press conference in the conference room of the DC’s Office, Jowai, to provide updates on the arrangements for the games. Deputy Commissioner B.S. Sohliya, IAS, informed that preparations are nearing completion.

Remarkably, the football matches began earlier on January 15. Speaking to media persons, Deputy Commissioner B.S. Sohliya highlighted the unique efforts undertaken in preparation for the Meghalaya Games. This includes a curtain-raiser event held on January 13 featuring a video theme song and the unveiling of the games’ mascot, “U Kiang,” a leopard adorned in the attire of freedom fighter U Kiang Nangbah. This mascot was conceptualized by Kamtre Sumer as part of an open competition organized by the office of the Deputy Commissioner, West Jaintia Hills. The competition was a personal initiative by DC B.S. Sohliya to create vibrant and energetic vibes around the games, involving the community.

He further informed that the headmen of each locality in Jowai Town have actively contributed to the preparations, showcasing the community’s involvement in making the event a success.

The DC also called on residents to cooperate with the arrangements and actively participate in the event, encouraging them to not only contribute to the smooth execution of the games but also to witness the matches and be part of the excitement.

John F. Kharshiiing, Working President of MSOA, commended the district administration and the 15 committees for their dedicated efforts in preparing for the Meghalaya Games. He emphasized a unique aspect of this 6th Meghalaya Games, noting that it is the first time seven para-athletes – four women and three men – will take part in the para shooting event (pistol and rifles). This initiative was made possible following a request by the Hon’ble Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma to include para-athletes.

He also expressed hope that the future would see increased involvement of para-athletes, stating that the state is dedicated to promoting inclusivity in sports.

Kharshiing further informed that this will be the first time in the state games that two accomplished Australian athletes, the high-performance team of MSOA Robert Kabas and Ian Campbell, will be present to witness the opening of the Meghalaya Games.

He also shared that this Meghalaya Games will witness around 3,500 athletes competing for a total of 1,600 medals, including over 500 gold, 500 silver, and 600 bronze medals.

Superintendent of Police C. Syrti, MPS, has informed that the police force is fully prepared, with necessary deployments to ensure security during the Meghalaya Games. The SP also stated that traffic arrangements have been finalized and published to facilitate and ensure seamless movement throughout the games.

Additional Deputy Commissioners D.V. Lyngdoh, ADC B. Blah, and Assistant Director of Sports and Youth Affairs and District Sports Officer Khroo Passah were also present.